“So on October 2 the wall was finished—just fifty-two days after we had begun. When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized this work had been done with the help of our God.” Nehemiah 6:15-16 NLT
The people of Israel had been in trouble and disgrace, their once glorious city and the wall surrounding it had been reduced to rubble. Burnt out and broken down, it had been deemed impossible to rebuild for decades: the people too poor and feeble, the enemy too strong. But Nehemiah was stirred by God with a vision to build, so he took stock, he took responsibility, and he took action! Initially he had to fight his own doubts and fears, but he took risks, he took the opportunities to step out in faith, and he took people with him, this was something he couldn’t do alone! He rallied the people together who took a position alongside one another, took a stand against the threats of the enemy, and took strength from each other. In order to rebuild those walls they took care of each other, they took heart in the great work they were involved with despite feeling tired and wanting to quit at times, and the result? What had been seen as impossible was completed in just 52 days!! Lord, give me eyes of faith and a heart to serve like Nehemiah! God is in the process of rebuilding our lives, and then stirring us to build up other people. We are called to be the rebuilder of walls! It might look impossible as we survey the broken down rubble of our own lives and the lives of others but with Jesus, all things are possible! Let’s not allow our fears and doubts, the intimidation of the enemy, or the hard routine work of building stop us from pursuing with enthusiasm our God-given mission! Jesus, thank You for restoring me, help me to build up all those who I meet today. Amen 🙌🏼😊